Assamese cinema must leverage technology to compete with other industries: CM

Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma believes that the state's film industry must tap into technology to reduce the disparity with other film industries which, in turn, will enable it to draw in more viewers for the big screen experience.

“Now is the time to synergize technology and our culture and traditions to forge ahead in cinema-making”, the Chief Minister stressed during the inauguration ceremony of a new cinema hall in Guwahati. He further noted that Assamese cinema has to narrow the gap with other industries to draw more viewers to the big screen.

Celebrating its 25th year of existence, the Assam State Film Finance and Development Corporation (ASFFDC) opened a cinema hall in Guwahati named 'Aideo' to bolster cinema in the state. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma inaugurated the cinema hall on Bhogali Bihu (January 15) here.

The 240-seater 'Aideo' cinema hall, with its state-of-the-art facilities, is poised to become a cultural hub for cinephiles in Guwahati, said Biswa Sarma, inaugurating the cinematheque.

Named 'Aideo' in alignment with Assam's rich cultural heritage, the cinema hall is a step forward to ASFFDC's commitment to promoting and nurturing the local film industry. Biswa Sarma, during his address, underlined the pivotal role played by ASFFDC in fostering a vibrant film ecosystem in Assam.

The inauguration event drew attention to the state's dedication to the cinematic arts. Sarma announced plans for the expansion of cinematic infrastructure, including the construction of five new cinema halls and the renovation of nine existing ones by ASFFDC to enhance the accessibility of quality cinema across Assam, providing a platform for local filmmakers to showcase their talent.

Moreover, ASFFDC has extended support to 56 regional language filmmakers. Additionally, 239 artists have received assistance through ASFFDC's Artist Welfare Corpus Fund, reflecting a "comprehensive approach to nurturing and sustaining the creative talents" within the industry, stated Biswa Sarma.

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